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Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Startup in Pakistan (SECP Online) - 2025

By blogs.huzi.pk
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Startup in Pakistan (SECP Online) - 2025

(Updated 18 August 2025 | Covers Sole Proprietorships, Private Limited Companies & SMCs)

Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure [2][8][10]

| Type | Minimum Members | Liability | Best For | |--------------------------|-----------------|-----------|--------------------------------------| | Sole Proprietorship | 1 | Unlimited | Freelancers, small retailers | | Single Member Co. (SMC) | 1 | Limited | Solo founders seeking asset protection| | Private Limited Co. (Pvt Ltd) | 2+ | Limited | Startups with co-founders/investors | | LLP | 2+ | Limited | Professional services firms |

Critical Note: SMCs/Pvt Ltds require SECP registration; sole proprietorships skip SECP but need local municipal licenses [8][10].

Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name via SECP eServices [2][6][10]

Check Availability:

  • Use SECP Name Search Tool → Enter 3 name options (e.g., "TechGenius Pvt Ltd").
  • Avoid banned words ("Bank," "Federal") and ensure alignment with business activities [2][7].

Pay Fee: ₨ 1,000 online (₨ 2,000 offline) via JazzCash/credit card [2][10]. Validity: Name reserved for 90 days [2].

Step 3: Prepare Incorporation Documents [2][5][10]

| Document | Requirement | Template Source | |--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Memorandum of Association (MoA) | Business objectives, scope, capital structure | SECP website [2] | | Articles of Association (AoA) | Internal governance, director roles | SECP editable templates [2] | | CNIC/Passport Copies | All directors/shareholders (scanned, attested) | — | | Proof of Registered Office | Utility bill/lease agreement + property tax slip | — | | Digital Signatures | Obtain via NIFT for directors (₨ 1,500/person) | [2][6] |

Step 4: Submit Online Application via SECP eServices [2][6][10]

Log In: eservices.secp.gov.pk → Use OTP from CNIC-linked mobile.

Upload:

  • MoA, AoA, CNICs, address proof, name reservation certificate.
  • Auto-generated Form 1 (compliance), Form 21 (address), Form 29 (director details) [2][6].

Pay Incorporation Fee:

  • SMC: ₨ 2,000–₨ 20,000 (based on capital)
  • Pvt Ltd: ₨ 3,000–₨ 30,000 [8][10].

Step 5: Receive Certificate of Incorporation [2][6][10]

  • Timeline: 3–5 days (normal), 4 hours via Fast Track (₨ 5,000 extra) [3][10].
  • Download: From eServices portal or collect at SECP office (e.g., Lahore: 3rd Floor, Associated House) [5][10].

Step 6: Post-Registration Compliance [2][7][10]

NTN Registration:

  • Apply via FBR IRIS Portal → Upload incorporation certificate → Get NTN in 48 hours [7][10].

Open Bank Account:

  • Required: NTN + incorporation certificate + board resolution [7][10].

Sales Tax Registration:

  • Mandatory if revenue > ₨ 10M/year; apply via FBR portal [10].

Annual SECP Filings:

  • Submit financial statements by September 30 yearly [10].

Fee Structure 2025 [2][8][10]

| Service | SMC Fee (PKR) | Pvt Ltd Fee (PKR) | |-----------------------|-------------------|-------------------| | Name Reservation | ₨ 1,000 | ₨ 1,000 | | Incorporation | ₨ 2,000–₨ 20,000 | ₨ 3,000–₨ 30,000 | | Digital Signatures | ₨ 1,500/director | ₨ 1,500/director | | Fast Track (4 hrs) | ₨ 5,000 | ₨ 5,000 |

Critical Warnings & Pro Tips [2][8][10]

  • Deadlines: Complete NTN/bank account within 30 days of incorporation to avoid penalties.
  • Scam Alert: Never pay "agents" for SECP submissions—use only the eServices portal.
  • SMC Advantage: 100% foreign ownership allowed; no local director required [8].
  • Common Rejections:
    • Mismatched CNIC addresses → Attach utility bill in director’s name.
    • "Generic name" (e.g., "Pakistan Solutions") → Add unique keywords ("AlphaLogix").

One-Screen Cheat Sheet

  1. Choose structure: SMC (solo) / Pvt Ltd (team)
  2. Reserve name: eservices.secp.gov.pk → Pay ₨1,000
  3. Prepare: MoA, AoA, CNICs, digital signatures
  4. Submit docs + pay fee: ₨2K–₨30K
  5. Download Certificate of Incorporation (3–5 days)
  6. Post-reg: NTN + bank account + annual filings

"In 2025, your startup’s first MVP is a Certificate of Incorporation."

Share this guide with co-founders—dodge the bureaucracy, launch faster!